University of Camerino Uses Objet 3D Printing System for Structural Optimization Methodology in Design Education Program - Objet - #2

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Chair models were used to test various methodology theories in the Eco-Design and Eco-Innovation Master Course. New chairs were designed using recycled aluminum instead of ordinary plastic. The designer was involved in the structural choices. Later, the strength of the chair was tested according to Italian standards. The high accuracy and fine details of models printed by the Eden made it possible to test the feasibility of a design sooner than was previously possible. That change has revolutionized the design process and will ultimately result in less waste and better designed products. Feasibility Questions Answered Early Two different styles of chair were used to test the methodology of using rapid prototyping to determine feasibility in the first stage of the design process. Both chairs were analyzed by Luca Frattari, PhD student at the University of Camerino, Faculty of Architecture in Ascoli Piceno. Chair “B” was a rounded low armchair and Chair “V” was a square shaped chair without arms. Portions of the basic shape of each chair were removed, and then the viability of the chair was tested by printing a scale model of the chair during the initial design phase. To redesign “B” chair Luca Frattari select a young designer of the Master Course in Eco-Design Lodovico Bernardi. This experiment consists in studying. It consists in studying the structure of the object and removing every part of material not necessary for its function. So the result is a chair made with the minimum possible quantity of material. The analysis was done with software called Altair Optistruct, generally used to build airplanes or performance pieces. The chair model is based on Jerszy Seymour’s chair, produced by Magis.” The critical part of the design process was the model testing. Objet’s Eden 3D printer enabled the designer to improve on Topology Optimization, an algorithm which defines the location and number of voids within a structure given a prescribed set of conditions, by proving that the chair would still be usable even with the desired changes. On the other hand, thanks to Objet, tests confirmed early that Chair “V” would be hard to manufacture. True-to-Life Model at a Lower Cost The use of Objet within the development process affects the three critical elements necessary for a successful outcome. First, costs are reduced because testing and verification of basic structure is confirmed in the first phase of design. Second, lead times are significantly reduced as the product can be sent to production sooner. Finally, quality is to the highest levels of accuracy and finish. With all factors taken into consideration there is no more preferable method to develop a product of this sort than a design methodology that involves Objet as the method of testing feasibility. info@objet.com www.objet.com Objet Geometries Ltd. Headquarters 2 Holtzman st., Science Park, P.O Box 2496, Rehovot 76124, Israel T: +972-8-931-4314 F: +972-8-931-4315 Objet Geometries Inc. North America 5 Fortune Drive Billerica, MA 01821 USA T: +1-877-489-9449 F: +1-866-676-1533 Objet Geometries GmbH Europe Airport Boulevard B 210 77836 Rheinmünster Germany T: +49-7229-7772-0 F: +49-7229-7772-990 Objet Geometries AP Asia Pacific Unit28, 10/f, HITEC 1 Trademart Drive Kowloon Bay, Kowloon Hong Kong T: +852-217-40111 F: +852-217-40555 Objet Geometries AP Limited China Rep Office Rm1701, CIMIC Tower, 1090 Century Blvd, Pudong Shanghai 200120 China T: +86-21-5836-2468 F: +86-21-5836-2469 Objet Geometries Ltd., the innovation leader in 3D printing, develops, manufactures and globally markets ultra-thin-layer, high-resolution 3-dimensional printing systems and materials that utilize PolyJet™ polymer jetting technology, to print ultra-thin 16-micron layers. The market-proven Eden™ line of 3D Printing Systems and the Alaris™30 3D desktop printer are based on Objet’s patented office-friendly PolyJet™ Technology. The Connex™ family is based on Objet’s PolyJet Matrix™ Technology, which jets multiple model materials simultaneously and creates composite Digital Materials™ on the fly. All Objet systems use Objet’s FullCure® materials to create accurate, clean, smooth, and highly detailed 3D parts. About Objet Geometries Objet’s solutions enable manufacturers and industrial designers to reduce cost of product development and dramatically shorten time-to-market of new products. Objet systems are in use by world leaders in many industries, such as Education, Medical / Medical Devices & Dental, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Toys, Consumer Goods, and Footwear industries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Japan. Founded in 1998, Objet serves its growing worldwide customer base through offices in USA, Mexico, Europe, Japan, China and Hong Kong, and a global network of distribution partners. Objet owns more than 50 patents and patent pending inventions. Visit www.objet.com. © 2010 Objet, Quadra, QuadraTempo, PolyJet, FullCure, SHR, Eden, Eden250, Eden260, Eden260V, Eden330, Eden350, Eden350V, Eden500V, Job Manager, Objet Studio, CADMatrix, Connex, Connex350, Connex500, Alaris, Alaris30, PolyLog, TangoBlack, TangoBlackPlus TangoGray, TangoPlus, VeroBlue, VeroWhite, VeroBlack, VeroGray, Durus, Digital Materials, Polyjet Matrix and ObjetGreen are trademarks of Objet Geometries Ltd. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Q1/10